San José Airport Departures (SJO)

Flight Departures at San José Airport

When you travel through Juan Santamaría International Airport, remember to bring valid travel documents, especially a national ID card or passport, including any required boarding pass.

Boarding in Costa Rica begins early. People with children are usually moved to the front of the line.

Flight 358 begins at 5:30 am and ends at 7:30 am, Flight 1774 begins at 12:30 pm and ends at 2:30 pm, and Flight 1922 begins at 11:30 pm and ends at 1:55 pm every Saturday.

Passengers can arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport four hours before departure for all domestic flights and six hours before departure for international flights.

After checking in, you will be subject to a passport and security check, similar to those used in the United States. Here are some examples:

1. Stopping human trafficking in Costa Rica is a priority. If you are leaving with kids, be prepared to have questions if you do not have the same last name as your children.
2. You must have a passport and boarding pass to go through security. In general, Costa Rica does not use digital ticketing.
3. Liquids are not allowed through security. Other things may or may not be allowed depending on your agent. These items include ground coffee in packages and non-perishable food items.

SJO Airport's departure area is located on the upper level. When you arrive at the airport, look for departures/salidas signs.

Throughout the day, flight schedules are updated. Flights booked with a ticket price do not usually include baggage in the hold. You should have it on your company's website, as it is usually less expensive than at the airport.

You may be charged additional fees at the airport if your luggage exceeds the permitted weight.

Peak travel months for the airport are December to March, and there are more people at the airport during these months, so arrive an hour and a half before departure.

For best results, arrive at the airport at least two and a half hours before your flight time as you travel in a group.

Please check with your company to ensure everything is for your flight.

Visit the Immigration Office website (http://www.migracion.go.cr/) or call +506 2441-6029 for more information on immigration requirements.

For animal arrivals, please contact SENASA at +506 2587-1714 or +506 2587-1710. You can also visit their website at www.senasa.go.cr and email them at info@senasa.go.cr.

Parking Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport has parking for 400 vehicles on two levels and is open all year round.

You may get from one place to another by walking only a short distance because the parking lot is next to the Terminal Building. See more information about short and long term parking at Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Elevators, escalators, and ramps are present for those with disabilities on both levels.

To further assure the security of patrons and their vehicles, the parking lot is outfitted with a CCTV camera system.

Rental Car Service at Juan Santamaría International Airport

The counters of numerous automobile rental companies, including some of the most recognizable names like Hertz and Dollar, are at the airport's grounds. If you have made the proper arrangements, someone holding a sign with your name on it should be waiting for you outside the terminal.

The car's cost is determined by the car type and the rental company. Rental car companies are usually open from 5 am to 11 pm. See all rental car companies at Juan Santamaria International Airport.

In Costa Rica, there are numerous ways to return a leased vehicle. You can give the car back to the rental agency. The night before your departure, you can return the automobile to the hotel where you are staying. Finally, you can leave your car in the short-term parking area at the airport.

Don't forget to confirm with your rental car company which way works best.

Rideshares​ at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Rideshares are available but only can be found outside of Juan Santamaría International Airport, through the parking lot, and over to the bus stop outside the airport.

If you have a lot of luggage, be prepared for people to ask to help you in exchange for a tip. The walk is about 3 minutes without luggage.

Taxis at Juan Santamaría International Airport

The Juan Santamaria International Airport offers taxi service 24 hours a day for travel to any location in Costa Rica.

At Juan Santamaria International Airport, each taxi has a unique number and is orange in color.

Each unit has a taximeter that shows the amount due, and the Costa Rican State regulates the fees for the services offered. More information about taxis at Juan Santamaria International Airport.

By contacting each business directly, you can also make a service reservation.

Before you leave the airport, you can purchase your official ticket. For cabs, this is the safest option.

Trains at Juan Santamaría International Airport

The airport has no station and no rail service. However, the rail line connecting downtown Alajuela to San José's Atlantic Station passes close to the airport. Additional information about train services near Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Buses at Juan Santamaría International Airport

At Juan Santamaria International Airport, you can take a bus along the same route as the public line Montezuma-San José that departs from the airport. About 20 minutes are spent traveling, and one-way tickets cost less than $1.

There are additional bus and shuttle services between the airport and downtown San José to Puntarenas, Guanacaste, and other locations in Costa Rica. Further information about buses to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

As you leave the airport, there are shared shuttles from local hotels on your right. Your request is roughly a 75-foot walk away, and the buses stop in front of the cafe.

Make a reservation and inquire with the hotel staff about the different lodging possibilities, including hotels, guest rooms, and other details.

Other Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

WiFi at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Passengers passing through SJO can use the free WiFi connection for a limited time (3 hours), regardless of whether they are in the public landside zone or the restricted airside area.

WiFi Premium and Courtesy networks are also offered at the airport but with payments.

ATMs at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport has Automated Teller Machines. In the arrivals zone, BAC San José and Scotiabank ATMs are open 24 hours a day to allow you to withdraw your colones.

Currency Exchange at Juan Santamaría International Airport

There is a currency exchange counter available at the Juan Santamaría International Airport. It is Global Exchange, and you can find it in the Lobby of the terminal.

Nursing Stations at Juan Santamaría International Airport

SJO provides a comforting private space for mothers to nurse or pump. In reasonable quantities for your itinerary, milk, juice, water, and baby food are not affected by the restrictions on liquids, aerosols, and gels and are therefore allowed in the cabin.

The inspection staff must present these products separately when inspecting your carry-on baggage.

Restrooms at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Restrooms are located on all levels of Juan Santamaría International Airport. You may also approach the Information Desk for directions and more information.

Food and Beverages at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport has many restaurants where you can eat while waiting at the airport.

Malinche and Imperial serve traditional Costa Rican dishes. Still, many international franchises such as Cinnabon, Starbucks, Lavazza Coffee, Teriyaki Express, and Smashburger also have a presence here.

You can find cafes in Gates 5,8, 10, and the Lobby of SJO. Restaurants are in Gates 10 and 19-20.

Shopping at Juan Santamaría International Airport

JSO has shopping centers at all levels of the terminal. All levels of Juan Santamaria International Airport have shopping centers. While you wait for your flight schedules, you can visit various stores. Mac is one of them, whoops! As well as other Costa Rican stores. These stores are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The terminal also has Duty Free stores strategically located near boarding gates 4, 5, and 8.

You may also be able to find the most prestigious brands of liquor, chocolate, coffee, perfumery, luxury items, and electronics at low, tax-free prices. The store is open from 5 am to 8 pm every day.

Smoking at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Passengers can not smoke inside Juan Santamaria Airport as smoking inside the airport is prohibited.

Ticketing Services at Juan Santamaría International Airport

The ticket counters of the airport for each airline open at 5 am and close at 4 pm from Monday to Sunday.

Juan Santamaría International Airport serves 32 airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Aeroméxico, Air Transat, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines.

You can find the ticket counters in the Main Terminal of SJO.

Information Desk at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport has an Information Desk open every day. Fill out the form or email suggestions@aeris.cr with any recommendations or grievances.

Complaints involving AERIS personnel or third parties operating on its behalf must be kept confidential. You can contact the management at +599-9-788-9931.

Pet Relief at Juan Santamaría International Airport

There is a pet relief area at Juan Santamaría International Airport. As you exit the terminal, turn to the left, about 50 yards away; at the end of the road in front of the terminal, there is a small grassy area where the dogs can relieve themselves.

Baggage Claim at Juan Santamaría International Airport

The Baggage Claim Area is on the terminal's ground level. There are four baggage claim areas, and your bags will generally arrive quickly.

If you have not collected your baggage upon arrival, you must notify your airline, which will help you locate it.

Disabled Passengers at Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport offers wheelchair rentals, equipment, and services for physically challenged passengers, including elevators and escalators.

Please remember to request the service 48 hours before you want to visit SJO.